Could Human and Chimp Produce Offspring?

[Moridin]

Hi,

Can H. sapiens and P. troglodytes produce (infertile) offspring? Has there ever been any experiments where this has been attempted? Which position is more theoretically sound?

 

[BoomBoom]

Has there ever been any experiments where this has been attempted?

I thought I heard somewhere once that is where AIDS came from? LOL <smirk>

 

[Mech_Engineer]

Many experiments have been tried over the years (mainly in the early 1900's). They have all failed rather embarassingly. I think Nazi Germany had a program with this is mind, to create super-soldiers with the strength of a chimp and the mind of a man. Also a disgusting failure.

 

[Cincinnatus]

I believe there was also someone in the Soviet Union trying to do such experiments. Also a failure and eventually the guy fell out of political favor and was sent to Siberia.

 

[_Mayday_]

I thought I heard somewhere once that is where AIDS came from? LOL <smirk>

I prefer to think it was a bite.

 

[jim mcnamara]

Chromosome number for hominidae:
http://homepage.mac.com/wildlifeweb/cyto/diploid/Hominidae2n.html

One of the ways speciation succeeds is blocking hybridization: humans have 46 chromosomes (23 pairs) the other great apes have 48 (24 pairs). Creating a hybrid, especially one that is viable, is extremely unlikely.

 

[Moridin]

Chromosome number for hominidae:
http://homepage.mac.com/wildlifeweb/cyto/diploid/Hominidae2n.html

One of the ways speciation succeeds is blocking hybridization: humans have 46 chromosomes (23 pairs) the other great apes have 48 (24 pairs). Creating a hybrid, especially one that is viable, is extremely unlikely.

Of course, I forgot the chromosomal fusion event. Thanks.

 

[jim mcnamara]

This thread will be closed if you guys do not stop clowning around. The original question was valid, but this other stuff isn't.

 

[Cincinnatus]

So it seems like the answer is, yes it's been tried but without success and it is likely impossible due to the number of chromosomes...

Is it known how long ago this chromosome fusion event took place in the human line? Did Neanderthals have 23 chromosomes? Homo erectus? etc.

 

[jim mcnamara]

To my knowledge there are no extant cells from H. neaderthalensis, for example. You need living cells or at least pretty well preserved tissue to answer that one. To make a karyotype requires a stained smear of a cell near metaphase in mitosis, or a germ cell in metaphase I in meiosis.

Here is what is involved in making your own karyotype:
http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/units/disorders/karyotype/karyotype.cfm

 

[Count Iblis]

http://www.animal-rights-library.com/texts-m/dawkins01.htm"

 

[Moonbear]

http://www.animal-rights-library.com/texts-m/dawkins01.htm"

What does that opinion have to do with the current thread? Granted, I only rapidly skimmed the article in your link, but a bit of explanation might help here.